Preguntas frecuentes: el Brexit y la migración de cuentas
INTRODUCCIÓN
Interactive Brokers Group ('IB') y su filial en el Reino Unido, Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Limited ('IBUK'), han estado realizando planes para el fin del período de transición del Brexit, actualmente programado para el 31 de diciembre de 2020, y hemos estado preparando acuerdos alternativos para nuestros clientes europeos. Nuestra prioridad es asegurar una transición sin problemas, y la continuación de la prestación de servicios de corretaje a nuestros clientes con mínimas interrupciones y mínimos cambios. Los clientes que se vean afectados por este evento recibirán notificaciones en donde se detallen los cambios y los cronogramas. A continuación se incluye una lista con preguntas frecuentes respecto de la migración de cuentas propuesta de IBUK a uno de nuestros otros brókeres europeos.
Preguntas frecuentes
P: ¿Qué acciones está tomando IBKR para asegurar la continuidad de los servicios de corretaje cuando comience la transición hacia el Brexit el 1 de enero de 2021?
R: En 2018 IBKR constituyó Interactive Brokers Luxembourg SARL ('IBLUX'), la cual recibió autorización normativa en noviembre de 2019. Además, nos encontramos en el proceso de la creación de dos brókeres adicionales con base en la Unión Europea: Interactive Brokers Ireland Limited ('IBIE') e Interactive Brokers Central Europe Befektetési ZRt ('IBCE').
Nuestra intención es migrar a todos los clientes afectados por el Brexit a uno de estos tres brókeres con base en la Unión Europea (los 'brókeres de la UE') antes del 31 de diciembre de 2020. La migración a IBIE e IBCE está condicionada a la obtención de la autorización regulatoria de la autoridad nacional competente correspondiente.
P: ¿A cuál de las cuentas de bróker de IBKR se migrará mi cuenta?
R: La decisión final respecto de cuáles serán las cuentas que se migrarán a IBLUX, IBIE o IBCE no se ha tomado aún. Estimamos que la mayoría de nuestros clientes con base en Europa Occidental se migrarán a IBIE, los clientes con base en Europa Central y del Este a IBCE, y un grupo selecto de clientes a IBLUX. Otros de los factores que se tendrán en cuenta son el tipo de cuenta y las posiciones de los clientes.
Todos los clientes recibirán una comunicación en donde se especificará el bróker que se ha programado para su migración antes del envío de la solicitud de migración.
P: ¿Cuáles son los clientes que se ven afectados por este plan de migración?
R: Los clientes afectados incluyen las personas residentes en la Unión Europea o cuentas de entidades constituidas dentro de un país de la Unión Europea. La mayoría de estas cuentas reciben actualmente servicios de Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Limited ('IBUK').
P: ¿Cómo se presta el consentimiento?
R: Recibirá un correo electrónico en donde se le solicitará que inicie sesión en Client Portal una vez que estemos listos para migrar su cuenta. Una vez que inicie sesión, se le proporcionarán las declaraciones y los acuerdos de cliente necesarios respecto de los cuales puede prestar su consentimiento de forma electrónica. Los clientes que no respondan al correo electrónico inicial recibirán una serie de correos electrónicos recordatorios.
P: ¿Qué sucede si no hago nada?
R: En caso de no responder a nuestra solicitud de proporcionar su consentimiento, su cuenta se verá condicionada a las mismas restricciones de negociación y transferencia que se aplicarían si no hubiera autorizado la transferencia. Su cuenta permanecerá condicionada a los términos y condiciones de su acuerdo actual (lo que incluye las comisiones y las políticas de margen) hasta que se haya migrado al bróker europeo designado, se haya transferido a un bróker fuera de IBKR, o se haya cerrado.
P: ¿Qué sucede si no presto mi consentimiento para la transferencia?
R: En caso de no prestar consentimiento para la transferencia de su cuenta al bróker de la UE designado, su cuenta podrá quedar restringida para la apertura de nuevas transacciones o para la transferencia de fondos y/o posiciones adicionales. Estas restricciones no le permitirán transferir su cuenta fuera de IBKR.
P: ¿Cambiarán mis credenciales para el inicio de sesión?
R: No. Su nombre de usuario, contraseña y proceso de autenticación en dos factores existentes para su cuenta seguirán activos luego de la migración. Sin embargo, se le asignará un nuevo id. de cuenta para su cuenta migrada.
P: ¿Tendré acceso a la misma plataforma de negociación o quedaré condicionado a cambios en el software luego de la migración?
R: La migración no tendrá un impacto sobre el software que utiliza para negociar o administrar su cuenta. La tecnología seguirá siendo la que usa hoy en día.
P: ¿Se transferirán todos los saldos en las cuentas al mismo tiempo?
R: Todos los saldos, con la excepción de los devengados (p. ej., intereses y dividendos) se transferirán al mismo tiempo. Los devengados se transferirán una vez realizado el efectivo. En el caso de los intereses, los devengados normalmente se revierten y el efectivo puede registrarse dentro de la primera semana del mes luego del devengo. En el caso de los dividendos, el devengo se revierte y el efectivo de compensación se registra en la fecha en la que el emisor paga el dividendo.
P: ¿Qué sucederá en mi cuenta corriente luego de la migración?
R: Su cuenta corriente se cerrará una vez que todos los devengos se hayan registrado en efectivo y transferido a la cuenta migrada. Una vez cerrada, no se podrá acceder para fines de negociación. Sin embargo, quedará accesible mediante un selector de cuenta de Client Portal a los fines de visualizar e imprimir extractos históricos.
P: ¿Cambiarán las comisiones y tarifas de IBKR cuando se migre mi cuenta?
R: No. Las comisiones y tarifas de IBKR no varían de acuerdo al bróker con el cual se mantiene su cuenta.
P: ¿Cambiarán mis permisos de negociación cuando se migre mi cuenta?
R: Sus permisos de negociación permanecerán inalterados, excepto por las cuentas migradas a las cuentas de IBLUX, las cuales quedarán restringidas para la negociación de fórex apalancados debido a restricciones regulatorias. Si bien no anticipamos restricciones similares aplicables a las cuentas de IBIE e IBCE, le notificaremos en caso de que surjan cambios antes de que le solicitemos su consentimiento para migrar las cuentas.
P: ¿Se transferirán las órdenes abiertas (p. ej., Good-til-Canceled) cuando se migre mi cuenta?
R: Las órdenes abiertas se transferirán a la nueva cuenta; sin embargo, le recomendamos a nuestros clientes que revisen sus órdenes inmediatamente luego de la migración para asegurarse de que las órdenes abiertas coincidan con sus intenciones de negociación.
P: ¿Estaré condicionado por la regla de negociación de patrón diario de EE. UU. una vez que se migre mi cuenta?
R: Las cuentas que se mantengan con IBUK están condicionadas a la regla de negociación de patrón diario de EE. UU. (PDT) debido a que IBL, un bróker estadounidense, es el que introduce y transfiere las cuentas. La regla PDT restringe las cuentas con patrimonios inferiores a 25,000 USD a no más de 3 negociaciones por día dentro de cualquier periodo de 5 días hábiles.
Debido a que IBL no introducirá las cuentas migradas a IBLUX, IBIE o IBCE, no quedarán condicionadas a la regla PDT.
P: ¿Recibiré un único extracto de actividad anual combinado al finalizar el año?
R: No. Recibirá un extracto anual para su cuenta existente que cubrirá el periodo comprendido entre el 1 de enero de 2020 hasta la fecha de migración, y un segundo extracto anual para su nueva cuenta, el cual cubrirá el periodo comprendido entre la fecha de migración hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2020.
P: ¿Se transferirá la base de coste actual de las posiciones cuando se migre mi cuenta?
R: Sí, esta migración no tendrá un impacto sobre la base del coste de sus posiciones.
P: ¿Retendrá la cuenta migrada la misma configuración que la cuenta actual?
R: La configuración de la cuenta luego de la migración coincidirá con la cuenta actual, dentro del alcance permitido por las leyes. Esto incluye atributos como la capacidad de margen, datos de mercado, usuarios adicionales y alertas. En ciertas instancias, una cuenta podrá migrarse a una jurisdicción en donde no pueda ofrecerse el alcance completo de la elegibilidad del producto. Los clientes que mantengan productos restringidos pueden migrarse y mantenerse, o pueden cerrar estas posiciones, pero no se les permitirá aumentar la posición.
P: ¿Qué sucede si IBKR no recibe las aprobaciones normativas necesarias para migrar las cuentas al 31 de diciembre de 2020?
R: Mientras esté aprobado, IBLUX se encuentra condicionado a las limitaciones del tamaño permitido de sus negocios, y las licencias para IBIE o IBCE son necesarias para completar la migración antes del 31 de diciembre de 2020. En caso de que la decisión sea que ninguna de las dos reciba la licencia a tiempo, se contactará a los clientes para explicarles cómo se manejará su cuenta al finalizar el período de transición del Brexit.
P: ¿Puedo continuar tratando las reclamaciones con el servicio del ombudsman financiero del Reino Unido luego de la migración?
R: Los clientes de IBUK son elegibles para presentar reclamaciones no resultas por IBUK para su satisfacción, tratadas por el servicio del ombudsman financiero del Reino Unido. Una vez que su cuenta se haya migrado a IBLUX, IBIE o IBCE, el servicio del ombudsman financiero del Reino Unido ya no se aplicará, y le proporcionaremos la información respecto de todo servicio que lo reemplace. Deberá tener en cuenta que la migración no afectará nuestro procesamiento interno de reclamaciones.
P: ¿Cómo afectará la migración a la protección de datos?
R: La migración de su cuenta de IBUK a IBLUX, IBIE o IBCE no afectará el modo en el que protegemos sus datos personales, de conformidad con las leyes de protección de datos. IBLUX, IBIE e IBCE asumirán, cada uno, la responsabilidad de la protección de datos, y continuarán cumpliendo nuestros altos estándares existentes para la protección de sus datos personales.
P: ¿Cómo se verá afectada la protección de mi cuenta?
R: La protección de los seguros disponibles para nuestros clientes en el caso de incumplimiento por parte del bróker es normalmente menos favorable en la UE en comparación con el Reino Unido o EE. UU..
Actualmente, siempre que se cumplan los requisitos de elegibilidad, los clientes de IBUK pueden obtener protección con relación a los servicios de inversiones de conformidad con el esquema de compensación de servicios financieros del Reino Unido (UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme, UK FSCS) por un monto de hasta £50,000. Debido a que los clientes de IBUK son transferidos por nuestro bróker estadounidense, IBL, el segmento de valores de su cuenta podrá ser elegible para el seguro que proporciona la Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) por un monto de hasta 500,000 USD (condicionado a un sublímite de efectivo de 250,000 USD).
Bajo los brókeres en la UE, IBLUX, IBIE e IBCE, los reclamantes elegibles pueden tener derecho a reclamar una compensación por hasta un máximo de 20,000 EUR. Se proporcionará más información sobre el esquema aplicable, la cobertura y la elegibilidad de las reclamaciones junto con nuestra solicitud de transferencia.
De acuerdo con la capitalización general de Interactive Brokers Group de 8.25 mil millones USD, junto con las políticas de margen prudentes, implementadas en todos nuestros brókeres, las cuales incluyen verificaciones de crédito previas a la aceptación de órdenes y la liquidación automática de cuentas que no cumplen con los requisitos de margen, creemos que esta migración no tendrá un impacto sobre la seguridad y solidez en general de los activos de nuestros clientes.
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Converting From a Single to Joint Account
The process of adding a second owner to an existing single account for purposes of converting to a joint account is outlined below:
1. As the joint account structure differs from that of the individual in terms of account holder information required, legal agreements and, in certain cases, taxpayer status, direct conversion is not supported and a new joint account application must be completed online.
The joint application may be initiated online from the single account by logging into Client Portal and clicking the User menu (head and shoulders icon in the top right corner) followed by Manage Account. Click the Configure (gear) icon next to the words Open an Additional Account. This process will allow you to retain your existing user name, password and security device for purposes of operating the joint account. Be sure to request trading permissions and, if necessary, margin status, sufficient to maintain the positions currently carried in your individual account. Note that if your account is managed by a financial advisor or you are a client of an introducing broker, please contact your advisor or broker to initiate the new application (you may need to make arrangements with your advisor or broker for fees that have accrued but not yet paid if the individual account closes).
The joint account application requires Compliance review and approval and documentation evidencing the identity and address of the second account holder may be required. If this is the case, notice as to the required documents and how to submit will be provided at the conclusion of the online application.
2. Once you have received an email confirming approval of the joint account application, send a request from your Message Center authorizing IBKR to manually transfer positions from your single to joint account. Prior to submitting the request you should make sure to close all open orders in the individual account to ensure that no executions take place following the transfer.
Due to the manual steps and scheduling required, you should allow a minimum of one week after joint account approval and submitting your request for the transfer to take effect.
IMPORTANT NOTES
1. Note that exchange regulations preclude ownership transfer of derivative contracts such as futures and options. If you are holding such positions you would either need to close them prior to the transfer taking place or request that they remain in your individual account.
2. Prior to processing the transfer, you should make sure to close all open orders in the individual account to ensure that no executions take place following the transfer.
3. The SMA (Special Memorandum Account) balance in your individual account will not transfer to the joint account. In certain cases this may impact your ability to open new positions in the joint account on the first day after the transfer is completed.
4. Elective options such as participation in IBKR's Stock Yield Enhancement Program will not be carried over to the joint account and must be re-initiated to continue.
5. The cost basis of transferred positions as reported in the activity statements will remain unchanged for tax purposes.
6. Once the transfer has been completed and assuming all positions have been transferred your individual account will be designated for automatic closure. Note that certain balances such as dividend accruals can’t be transferred until paid, after which they will then be transferred and your individual account closed.
7. You'll receive any applicable tax forms for the reportable activity transacted in each of your individual and joint accounts at year end. Access to Client Portal for your individual account will remain after it has been closed for the purpose of reviewing and printing activity statements and tax forms.
8. IBKR does not provide tax advice or investment guidance and recommends that account holder consult with qualified professionals to determine any legal, tax or estate planning consequences associated with single to joint transfer requests.
How to Reopen a Closed Account
Accounts which have been closed are generally eligible to be reopened, subject to the following:
1. The account was opened after January 1, 2002;
2. The taxpayer status of the account is properly documented;
3. The account is compliant with respect to all documentation required for regulatory purposes;
4. If the account is a sub or client account of a master, the master account is open.
The reopening request may be submitted online by logging into Account Management and selecting the Manage Account, Settings and then Reopen Account menu options (Note that the email and password combination necessary to log in remain the same as that at the point your account was closed). Alternatively, requests may be submitted by contacting your local Client Service Center.
Once your request has been submitted it is subject to review by our Compliance Department. Please note that these requests are processed in the order by which they are received and you should allow a minimum of 48 hours to complete.
Notification of approval is sent to the email address of record, after which you will need to log into Account Management and submit a deposit notification. The minimum deposit required to re-open is USD 10,000, or equivalent; the same as that for opening a new account.
Also note that in certain instances, you may be required to update account information and/or documents which are deemed by our Compliance Department to be obsolete. If this is required, you will receive an email outlining those which are required.
W8 Re-certification
If you are not a U.S. citizen or entity formed within the U.S. and have an account with Interactive Brokers, you are requested to declare your citizenship or country of formation with the US tax authority (IRS). This declaration can be done online by correctly filling out the W-8BEN form. Filling out this form is an easy process that only takes a few minutes. In the short movie below, we show you where to find the W-8BEN in your IB account management and how to fill it out.
If you fail to declare your foreign citizenship or country of formation, and IB does not have a valid W-8BEN form on file, you are presumed to be a US person/entity without a proper tax certification. As a US person/entity, you will be subject to backup withholding at a rate of 28% on interest, dividends, and substitute payments in lieu; as well as gross proceeds.
Every 3 years the IRS requires a re-certification of the W-8BEN form. IB will ask the beneficial account owner to re-certify their foreign status by re-signing the W8-BEN in order to continue their status as a foreign person and claim the tax treaty benefits. If you experience any problems or have questions regarding the W-8BEN form or how IB handles Non-US persons and entities, select this Tax Information and Reporting link and choose the tab Non-US Persons and Entities or consult the following IRS information page for more details: www.irs.gov/instructions/iw8/ch02.html
Cost Basis Reporting
1099 Reporting
Statement and Year End Reporting for US persons and entities comprises the following:
1. Cost Basis: While the required reporting schedule was staggered, the primary cost basis that will be reported to the IRS includes equities bought and sold after December 31, 2010. This includes the adjusted cost basis resulting from wash sales and corporate actions.
The future phase-in period for broker reporting includes the assets sold on or after the following dates:
--- Mutual Funds and ETFS - 1/1/2012
--- Simple debt instruments (i.e. treasuries, fixed-rate bonds & municipal bonds) and options, - 1/1/2014
--- Other debt instruments - 1/1/2016
2. Tax Basis Method: Brokers are required to use the method first in, first out (FIFO), unless given other instructions by an investor. Changes to your tax basis method may be submitted through the Tax Optimizer. The Tax Optimizer is launched from within Account Management and is available for stock, option, bond, warrant and single-stock future trades.
IB offers multiple tax basis methods, including three basic options:
● First In, First Out (FIFO) - This is the default option. FIFO assumes that the oldest security in inventory is matched to the most recently sold security.
● Last In, First Out (LIFO) - LIFO assumes that the newest security acquired is sold first.
● Specific Lot - Lets you see all of your tax lots and closing trades, then manually match lots to trades. Specific Lot is not available as the Account Default Match Method.
Tax Optimizer also lets you select the following additional derivatives of the specific identification method.
● Highest Cost (HC), Maximize Long-Term Gain (MLTG), Maximize Long-Term Loss (MLTG), Maximize Short-Term Gain (MSTG), and Maximize Short-Term Loss(MSTL).
For complete instructions on using the Tax Optimizer and details on the lot-matching algorithms for each method, see the Tax Optimizer Users Guide.
Note: Changing your tax basis is effective immediately. The basis selected will be applied to all subsequent trades on the account statements and tax reports. Updates will not affect previously closed trades nor the TWS profit and loss data displayed.
3. Gain & Loss Categories: An additional requirement to the cost basis reporting is the capital gain or loss category. The gain or loss category of equities is determined by the length of time in which the security was held, known as the "holding period."
● Short-Term - Holding periods of one year or less are categorized as "short-term."
● Long-Term - Holding periods over one year are categorized as "long-term."
Year End Reports
The following statements and reports display cost basis information that will be reported on Form 1099-B for eligible accounts.
- Monthly Account Statements
- Annual Account Statements
- Worksheet for Form 8949
For a complete review of the tax information and year end reporting available, click here.
Note: Unlike the Account Statements, the Gain & Loss Worksheet for Form 8949 may consolidate sell trades. The cost basis will be adjusted, as required for 1099-B reporting.
Asset Transfers
U.S. legislation from 2008 included new guidelines for tax reporting by U.S. financial institutions. Effective January 2011, U.S. Brokers are required to report cost basis on sold assets, whether or not a gain/loss is short-term (held one year or less) or long-term (held more than one year). U.S. brokerage firms, Interactive Brokers LLC (IB) included, implemented changes to comply with the legislation.
For more information on cost basis with asset transfers, see Cost Basis & Asset Transfers.
Disclaimer: IB does not provide tax advice. These statements are provided for information purposes only, are not intended to constitute tax advice which may be relied upon to avoid penalties under any international, federal, state, local or other tax statutes or regulations, and do not resolve any tax issues in your favor. We recommend that you consult a qualified tax adviser or refer to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
ACATS Transfer Guide (US brokerage account transfers)
ACATS Transfer Guide
Introduction
Understanding the basic facts about transferring accounts between US brokerage firms can be help to avoid delays. Through this article and other Knowledge Database resources, Interactive Brokers seeks to assist with your incoming and outgoing ACATS requests.
US brokerage firms utilize a standardized system to transfer customer accounts from one firm to another. Known as the Automated Customer Account Transfer Service or ACATS, the process allows assets to move seamlessly between brokerage firms in a unified time frame. ACATS transfers are facilitated by a third party, the National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC), to assist participating members with timely asset transfers.
ACATS Transfer Benefits
The majority of assets may be transferred between US brokerage firms and some banks through ACATS. This standardized system includes stocks, US corporate bonds, listed options, unit investment trusts, mutual funds, and cash. Information on assets eligible for transfer is provided at "Assets Eligible..." Though impacted by multiple factors and time constraints, the accepted or rejected transfers finalize within 10 business days in most cases.
Navigating The Process
4 simple steps of the ACATS process will help you understand the flow and minimize delays. Familiarizing yourself with the transfer process helps to ensure a successful transition.
1. Incoming or Outgoing
Incoming ACATS Transfers
The financial institution that is receiving your assets and account transfer is known as the "receiving firm." Investors always work with and through the "receiving firm" to move full or partial account assets into a new broker.
Contact the "receiving firm" (Interactive Brokers) to review the firm's trading policies and requirements. You should verify that your assets are eligible for trading at the "receiving firm" before initiating the transfer request. Not all ACATS transferable assets are acceptable for trading at every brokerage firm.
Outgoing ACATS Transfers
All outgoing ACATS transfers, full or partial, must be approved by the "delivering firm." Investors, however, should work with and through the "receiving firm" in order to begin the the transfer process or to status the progress of the request.
2. Initiating Your Transfer
Investors must always begin the ACATS transfer with the "receiving firm." An ACATS transfer form or Transfer Initiation Form (TIF) must be submitted. The "receiving firm" takes your reqeust and communicates with the "delivering firm" via ACATS. The process begins with this request for transfer of the account.
For your Interactive Brokers Account, the transfer is usually submitted online. Video instruction on submitting the transfer is provided at "How to deposit funds via a full ACATS/ATON Transfer." or through Step-by-step instructions.
Note: Outgoing account transfers from your IB account should be directed to the other broker. Your request will be submitted to IB from the other broker through the ACATS electronically.
3. What to Expect
Your Account
Brokers ensure the safety and security of transfer requests by only authorizing requests between open accounts that meet the following criteria:
- Same Account Title
- Same Tax ID Number
- Same Account Type
Transfer Approval
Ultimately responsible for validating the transfer, the "delivering firm" may accept information from the "receiving firm" correcting data originally entered. Approved or validated requests result in the delivery of positions to the "receiving firm" for their acceptance. Assets may not be accepted by the "receiving firm" for the following:
- Non-marginable or Margin (credit) violation
- Not Tradable
- DTC Chill
Note: The most common reasons for ACATS rejections are outlined by clicking here.
Processing Time-frame
The processing time for each transfer request is fixed. In general, approved transfers complete within 4 to 8 business days. Almost all transfers complete within 10 business days. Each firm is required to perform certain steps at specific intervals in the process. Feel free to review the Full ACATS transfer process flow.
Fees
While Interactive Brokers does not charge a fee to transfer your account via ACATS, some brokers do apply a fee for full and partial transfers. Prior to initiating your transfer, you should contact the "delivering firm" to verify any charge.
4. Who To Contact For Help
Interactive Brokers Customer Service stands poised to assist with your incoming ACATS transfer reqeust. Click here for Customer Service contact resources.
Note: Outgoing or ACATS transfers sending accounts to another broker should be directed to the "receiving firm." Their Account Transfer Group will work with Interactive Brokers directly to complete your outgoing request.
Tax Treaty Benefits
Overview:
Income payments (dividends and payment in lieu) from U.S. sources into your IB account may have U.S. tax withheld. Generally, a 30% rate is applied to non-U.S. accounts. Exemption from the withholding or a lower rate may apply if your home country has a tax treaty with the U.S. Complete the applicable Form W-8 to find out your status.
Background:
Tax Treaties*
U.S. tax treaties with some countries have different benefits. Legal tax residents of the following countries may be eligible for the treaty benefits. Below is a list of the tax treaty countries. Benefits vary by country.
| Australia | Czech Republic | India | Lithuania | Sweden |
| Austria | Denmark | Indonesia | Poland | Switzerland |
| Bangladesh | Egypt | Ireland | Portugal | Thailand |
| Barbados | Estonia | Israel | Romania | Trinidad & Tobago |
| Belgium | Finland | Italy | Russia | Tunisia |
| Bulgaria | France | Jamaica | Slovak Republic | Turkey |
| Canada | Germany | Japan | Slovenia | Ukraine |
| China, People's Rep. Of | Greece | Kazakhstan | South Africa | United Kingdom |
| Commonwealth of Ind. States | Hungary | Korea, Rep. of | Spain | Venezuela |
| Cyprus | Iceland | Latvia | Sri Lanka |
*Country list as of April 2009
Refer to IRS Publication 901 for details on withholding rates for your tax residence country and your eligible benefits.
Which Tax Form Should I Select?
Overview:
3 simple questions can help you choose a tax certification form. Read the questions and select the form. For more detailed help, see Tax Information & Reporting.
Question # 1: Are you a U.S. Person or a U.S. Entity?
| • U.S. Citizen | • U.S. Business or Organization |
| • U.S. Green Card Holder | • U.S. Domestic Trust |
| • U.S. Legal Resident | |
If the answer is YES, complete Form W-9
If the answer is NO, go to # 2.
Question # 2: Do you have a U.S. Visa?
| • H-1B Visa Holder | • TN Visa Holder |
| • O-1 Visa Holder | |
If the answer is YES, find your status by the "substantial presence test." See More U.S. Legal Resident Info
If the answer is NO, go to # 3.
Question # 3: Are you a Legal Resident or Entity of another country?
*Question does Not apply to U.S. Citizens/Entities or Green Card Holders
| • Permanent Home Outside of U.S | • Entity Formed Outside of U.S. |
| •Business or Organization formed outside of U.S. | |
If the answer is YES, complete Form W-8 (U.S. Citizens, Green Card Holders, and Entities still complete the W-9.)
NOT SURE because you work, live, or study in the U.S. then, see More U.S. Legal Resident Info
Disclaimer: IB does not provide tax advice. These statements are provided for information purposes only, are not intended to constitute tax advice which may be relied upon to avoid penalties under any international, federal, state, local or other tax statutes or regulations, and do not resolve any tax issues in your favor. We recommend that you consult a qualified tax adviser or refer to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
Certify Your Tax Status
Overview:
Filling out a tax certification form is required to open an IB account. The forms confirm your tax status in relation to the United States. Information provided by you may lower or exempt the U.S. tax withholding on your account.
Background:
This article will help you to:
►Choose the correct certification form ►Find your tax treaty benefits
►Fill out and submit your form online ►Answer tax certification questions
Which Form Do You Pick? |
Tax Treaty Benefits |
|
Management of account activity differs for each account type. IB is a U.S. broker and must follow U.S. guidelines. 3 simple questions help you choose the right form |
Some countries have a tax treaty with the U.S. Find out if you benefit from a lower tax-withholding rate. Tax Treaty Benefit Info |
Filling Out The Form |
Tax Certification – FAQ’s |
| The certification form is direct. Supply basic account information on the true owner of the assets or entity. Select W-9 Instructions or W-8 Instructions for help. | Seek professional advice for tax questions. These common questions and answers may help you make an informed decision. Tax Certification - Frequently Asked Questions |
Disclaimer: IB does not provide tax advice. These statements are provided for information purposes only, are not intended to constitute tax advice which may be relied upon to avoid penalties under any international, federal, state, local or other tax statutes or regulations, and do not resolve any tax issues in your favor. We recommend that you consult a qualified tax advisor or refer to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
How and When to Use a Direct Rollover
Overview:
This information is for general educational purposes only. Individuals should consult with their financial adviser or legal counsel to determine how rollover regulations affect their unique situations.
Generally, an investor changing jobs or leaving the workforce may utilize either a Direct Rollover election to continue their retirement savings outside of their employer-sponsored retirement plan. Assets distributed directly to your IRA from the retirement plan may qualify as a Direct Rollover.
What is a Direct Rollover?
The Direct Rollover is a tax-free distribution to you of cash or other assets from one retirement plan that you contribute to another retirement plan, including an IRA. The contribution to the IRA is called a rollover contribution. The Direct Rollover method transfers the assets directly from the retirement plan (and not to the IRA owner) into the investor's IRA, avoiding the 20% mandatory IRS withholding. This option to transfer retirement assets has no age limitations.
Eligible retirement plans include:
- Employer's qualified pension, profit -sharing, or stock bonus plan
- Annuity plan
- Tax sheltered annuity plan (section 403(b) plan)
- Governmental deferred compensation plan (section 457 plan)
Who do you contact first?
Contact your retirement plan administrator or the human resources office for eligibility and requirements. The plan administrator is required to provide a reasonable direct method of asset transfer. Completion of an IRA Rollover Form provided by the administrator may be required, in some cases. In other cases, the plan accepts an IRA Rollover Form supplied by your IRA's broker. Therefore, it is important to check with the plan administrator.
Initiating your Direct Rollover through IB
For those transfers that require a broker-supplied IRA Rollover Form, Interactive Brokers provides a convenient IRA Rollover Form. Interactive Brokers will forward the request to the plan administrator or broker for processing. Funds may be transferred by either wire transfer or check directly to Interactive Brokers.
Before accepting an IRA rollover transaction into an IRA, we require that you review your eligibility for the rollover and certify your understanding of the rollover rules and conditions. The IRA Rollover Form includes the Rollover Form and an IRA Rollover Certification Form.
The Fund Transfers page within the Account Management lets you notify IB of an IRA Rollover deposit of funds into your account. Select the Funding tab in the header link and choose Deposit Funds in the Transaction list. In the Method list, select Direct Rollover. Complete, sign, and return both forms to the Interactive Brokers address on the form.
Contact Customer Service with any additional questions.
In compliance with Treasury Department Circular 230, unless stated to the contrary, any information contained in this article was not intended or written to be used and cannot be used for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on any taxpayer.
